Mentor Guidelines

How to be an Effective Mentor

1. Actively contact Mentees weekly about upcoming roles, speech preparation, questions, concerns, etc.
2. Contact Mentees 3 - 4 weeks before scheduled speeches to encourage them to start working on their next speech. Discuss the importance of working on the next speech right after giving the last one, being prepared to speak a full week ahead of the scheduled speaking spot to take advantage of any openings.
3. Help them make maximize the benefit of every speech assignment by doing the following steps:
   1. Help them come up with topics that will be of interest to them and the Club.
   2. Assist them with organizing their speech.
   3. Encourage them to be"in" their speeches and avoid doing simple speeches to inform all the time.
4. Whenever possible, have your Mentee rehearse their speech with you prior to meetings and give them feedback to help them meet their objectives more successfully. Avoid the temptation to try to cover everything. Focus on key objectives.
5. Provide evaluations and feedback on everything your Mentee does during the meetings so that every role and speaking opportunity is a valuable learning experience. This will help you develop your own critical thinking, listening and evaluation skills.
6. Keep a progress log so you can provide your Mentee with honest, sincere praise on the progress they are making.
7. Encourage Mentees to set aside a consistent, convenient, and specific "Toastmasters Time" during the week when they focus on their upcoming roles and speeches and when it would make sense for you to contact them.
8. Discuss your expectations and goals with your Mentee and arrange a mentoring schedule. For example, "I will call you every Sunday at 2:00 PM to discuss the next meeting role/ your speech," etc.
9. Present their "#6 Speech Completion Certificates" with the VP Education at the club with a brief speech about their progress and accomplishments since joining.
10. Review with them "Evaluate Your Progress #1" after their 5^th speech in the manual. Help them identify and set new goals and strategies.
11. Be a role-model for your mentee. They are new to Toastmasters and the Club, and look to you for guidance and help. Your own actions speak louder than words. Modelling Excellence benefits them, you, and everyone else in the Club.
12. If you do all these things, you will have a very rewarding and fulfilling experience and learn new skills that you can use in all areas of your life. Have fun!

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